HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-25 Public Comment - E. Allison - Comments for Fowler Development Project City Commission Workshop on August 12, 2025From:Erin Allison
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comments for Fowler Development Project City Commission Workshop on August 12, 2025
Date:Thursday, August 7, 2025 10:14:09 AM
Attachments:08.07.25 Letter to the City Commissioners.docx
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Date: August 7, 2025
To: The Commissioners, City of Bozeman
Re: The Fowler Housing Development proposed for development of the land between Durston
and Oak along the Fowler Avenue extension and the Fowler Avenue connector (Project)
From: Erin Allison, Resident, 3144 Rose Street, Bozeman, MT 59718
Dear Commissioners:
I am a resident of the Harvest Creek neighborhood and support the comments presented by the
Harvest Creek Homeowners Association. I urge the Commissioners to adopt the suggestions of the
HCHOA.
Zoning and Infrastructure
The parcel of land proposed for this development has a narrow width of 150’, thus limiting the
internal infrastructure options. Further, the lack of road buffers separating this development from
Harvest Creek does not follow the precedence set between other R-3/R-1 interfaces in Bozeman.
Additionally, I am concerned that the development would heavily rely on Harvest Creek roads,
which were not designed for high-density traffic. This would negate the reduction in traffic on New
Holland from the completion of the Fowler connection between Durston and Oak.
Setbacks and Residential Impact on 21 Owners’ Adjacent Properties
The proposed 3- and 4- story buildings would be within 20’ of single-story homes on New Holland
Drive. Additionally, half of the development’s parking would border property lines, raising legitimate
concerns about vehicle emissions and idling, noise and headlights, and nighttime disturbances.
Abutting backyards with parking lots is not thoughtful development intended to be cohesive with
the existing community.
Traffic and Parking
The proposed parking accommodating 1.6 vehicles/households is insufficient for families living in
an area with low walkability. Due to the lack of parking provided, tenants’ overflow parking will be
comparable to those issues seen on Michael Grove and Tschache Lane east of 25th turning the
Harvest Creek neighborhood streets into parking lots of tenants’ second and third vehicles and
recreational vehicles/boats.
Property Rights & Property Value Impact
Standard land-use practices (e.g., pre-zoning during annexation planning) were not followed for this
project, thus property buyers had no way of anticipating this development when purchasing their
homes. The City appears to prioritize one land use (high-density housing) over existing residential
uses—placing the burden of change, and potential loss of property value, on current homeowners
for the “greater good.”